1) PAIN MANAGEMENT:
Getting rid of pain is the primary focus of ALL patients in the early
stages of a neck injury. If we use the acronym “PRICE” (Protect, Rest,
Ice, Compress, and Elevate), the first three apply when it comes to neck
pain. We “protect” our neck by avoiding or changing the way we go about
doing things such as our sleep position (this often prompts a “proper
pillow discussion”), adjusting the outside rearview mirrors of our car
(if you flair the outside mirrors outwards, it opens up the “blind
spots” and may prevent a collision, especially if you cannot rotate your
neck very far), and modifying other ADLs (activities of daily living).

The
bottom line is: if an activity creates a sharp pain sensation, it is a
“warning sign” to modify or stop WHATEVER it is that you’re doing.
Wearing a cervical collar for a SHORT duration of time can qualify for
both “Protect” and “Rest.” Try resting your neck on a pillow when
reading or watching TV, as it allows the neck muscles to rest. A
cervical traction device can help reduce muscle spasm, improve
flexibility (range of motion), and reduce pain. Alternating “Ice” and
heat can be even more effective, as it “PUMPS” out inflammation or
swelling.

Heat is also a good natural muscle relaxant and ice
reduces swelling (inflammation), both of which can help reduce pain.
There really is no hard and fast rule as to how long you should continue
using ice (days, weeks, or months)—if it helps, use it (unless you are
hypersensitive and frostbite easily, in which case limit the ice time).
However, heat can worsen a condition if it’s applied too soon or too
long. Anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger, turmeric, boswellia, and
others are very effective and actually may be BETTER than ibuprofen, naproxen,
or aspirin. Recent studies indicate that there may be a delay in
healing when over-the-counter pain medications are used, and the
recommendation is to AVOID these drugs so healing won’t be delayed!

2) STRUCTURAL REALIGNMENT:
The goal here is to improve (to the best of our ability) faulty bony
misalignments that frequently exist in the neck, upper, middle back as
well as the low back, as all can contribute to neck pain. This is also a
great long-term goal, as it may help PREVENT future episodes of neck
pain.

There is a natural process of aging called osteoarthritis
that none of us can avoid, but allowing faulty curves and bony
misalignments to persist may actually accelerate this degenerative
process! Your Chiropractor may have you lie on a tightly rolled up towel
(a frozen water bottle often feels even better) placed behind the neck
and when it’s comfortable, performing this on the edge of the bed is a
great way to re-educate a reversed cervical curve (and, it feels
GREAT!). Even a heel lift in the shoe of a short leg can help the neck!
Spinal manipulation, manual mobilization techniques, and trained
exercises all address this treatment goal quite effectively!

We
will continue this conversation next month discussing the third and
fourth topics: 3) Functional Restoration; and 4) Maintenance /
Prevention, so STAY TUNED!

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This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.